Across the Antarctic Circle 02 - 11 March 2019 | Polar Pioneer - Aurora Expeditions
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Across the Antarctic Circle 02 – 11 March 2019 | Polar Pioneer
About Us Aurora Expeditions embodies the spirit of adventure, travelling to some of the most wild and adventure and discovery. Our highly experienced expedition team of naturalists, historians and remote places on our planet. With over 27 years’ experience, our small group voyages allow for destination specialists are passionate and knowledgeable – they are the secret to a fulfilling a truly intimate experience with nature. and successful voyage. Our expeditions push the boundaries with flexible and innovative itineraries, exciting wildlife Whilst we are dedicated to providing a ‘trip of a lifetime’, we are also deeply committed to experiences and fascinating lectures. You’ll share your adventure with a group of like-minded education and preservation of the environment. Our aim is to travel respectfully, creating souls in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while making the most of every opportunity for lifelong ambassadors for the protection of our destinations.
DAY 1 | Saturday 2 March 2019
Puerto Williams
Position: 21:30 hours Course: 139° Wind Speed: 18 knots Barometer: 997.3 hPa
Latitude: 55°05’ S Speed: 111.8 knots Wind Direction: NNW Air Temp: 8°C
Longitude: 66°59’ W Sea Temp: 8°C
After months of planning, weeks of anticipation and long-haul flights from around the globe, The sound of seven-short-one-long rings from the ship’s signal system was our cue to don
we took a final flight from Punta Arenas to arrive at Puerto Williams, Chile, raring to begin our warm clothes, bulky orange lifejackets and gather at the muster stations to sample the ambi-
Antarctic adventure. After a delicious lunch at Lakutaia Lodge, and a spin around town, we ence of a Polar Class life vessel. Even without a full complement of Russian crew, the seating
made our way to the wharf and clambered up the gangway where the Aurora team showed arrangements in the two lifeboats proved cosy.
us to our cabins. It was time to explore the nooks and crannies of our new home.
At 1800 we cast off lines and steamed east along the beautiful Beagle Channel. Puerto Williams
Onboard we total 51 adventurers with nationalities representing Australia (18), France (1), quickly receded as we made our way past slopes forested with beech, the channel of water
Germany (1), Indonesia (1), Ireland (1), Italy (6), Mexico (1), Netherlands (2), New Zealand (3), brilliant in the steely light. To our portside the snow-capped peaks of Argentina; Chile on our
South Africa (3), Sweden (1), UK (4) and USA (9), along with 11 far-flung Aurora Expeditions’ starboard flank. Masses of seabirds crossed our path, with black-browed albatross, kelp gulls,
staff, and 22 Russian crew. imperial cormorants, South American terns and brown skuas.
We unpacked, settled into cabins and investigated the ship’s many staircases. Some ventured A rain shower skirted across the Beagle, leaving in its wake a brilliant rainbow pressed against
down to the dining rooms for afternoon tea, others aimed skyward for the flying bridge, the shoreline. To the west the sun dipped below the horizon. Soon it was time for a first
returning to the Bar when Expedition Leader Gary called us together to introduce the Aurora dinner, where we met chefs Al and Bert, and stewardesses Elena and Iliana.
team and give a lifeboat and safety briefing.
Some stayed up to watch our Chilean pilot clamber down the rope ladder and step across to
his waiting vessel. Finally, it was time for a much-needed sleep.
DAY 2 | Sunday 3 March 2019
Drake Passage
Position: 21:15 hours Course: 152° Wind Speed: 18 knots Barometer: 989.3 hPa & falling
Latitude: 59°35’ S Speed: 11.6 knots Wind Direction: NNW Air Temp: 4°C
Longitude: 62°37’ W Sea Temp: 2°C
The weather gods looked kindly upon Drake Passage; barely a roll or shudder was felt through Our lazy day at sea rolled on, with a delicious lunch then a presentation by Scott on camera
the night, our sturdy ice strengthened vessel forging south toward the Antarctic Peninsula. care and settings. Antarctic photography comes with its own challenges, with our cameras
subject to condensation from cold, to salt water, sand and grit. Scott offered tips on how to
Mist shrouded our ship throughout the day but from the pall, black-browed albatross veered
manage each of these elements. We saw the impressive results from smartphone photogra-
across our bow and wheeled about the ship. We were in for a lively introduction to seabirds
phy, including panoramas, time lapse and slo-mo. Plenty of occasion in the coming days to
with Roger who gave us a rundown on foraging patterns. He spoke about the contrast in
try out new settings with our photo expert at hand.
wing anatomy between the “flappers” such as skuas and cormorants with their relatively
short, deep, low ratio aspect wings, and the “gliders”— large albatross with their long, sleek, Following an afternoon presentation from Roger, Captain’s Welcome Drinks was time to
high aspect ratio wings. gather in the bar to enjoy snacks, along with Kath’s delicious punch. Gary introduced Captain
Aleksandr (Sasha) Evgenov who warmly welcomed us to his ship and wished us fair weather.
The wandering albatross, with an enormous wingspan of 3.5 metres, is capable of foraging
journeys that span thousands of ocean miles and may take months. Except to breed, a seabird The Great Antarctic Iceberg Competition launched with glory and riches promised to the
is at home on the ocean. We took a firsthand look at Roger’s research into albatross and expeditioner who can guess, or calculate, the closest time and position of our first iceberg. Be
penguin populations on three remote islands off southern Chile. Scaling rugged cliffs to reach quick! Entries close at 11:00 on Monday 4 March.
albatross colonies competed for dare devilry against images of the tiny campsite perched on
In the early evening we crossed the Antarctic Convergence, bringing a biological and geo-
a rocky ledge impossibly high above the waterline.
graphical shift into Antarctic waters—and a sharp drop in air and water temperatures. By 11:30
We learned that petrels range in size from the hefty Giant petrels to tiny Wilson’s storm pet- at night we crossed 60° South, officially placing us in Antarctica. When might we see our first
rels. These tube-nosed birds have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect krill and icebergs and penguins?
fish from kilometres away.
DAY 3 | Monday 4 March 2019
Aitcho Barrientos Island
Position: 20:40 hours Course: 215° Wind Speed: 4 knots Barometer: 982.6 hPa & rising
Latitude: 62°48’ S Speed: 11.8 knots Wind Direction: NE Air Temp: 3°C
Longitude: 59°51’ W Sea Temp: 1°C
Our second and final day on the Drake was abuzz with landing preparations. Down to the lec- Among the gentoos was a smattering of chinstraps, the second of the three brushtail penguin
ture room we filed, to learn about environmental considerations, biosecurity, wildlife behaviour species, with their distinctive black band beneath the chin. The gentoo population onshore
and etiquette around wildlife, Zodiac safety and the importance of the tag board and lifejacket comprised fully grown chicks, ready to fledge. The teenagers were giving their parent no end
bags. So much to take in! Then it was up to the bar with our belongings where vacuum cleaners of grief, chasing down the adult with demands of a free meal. The gentoos looked to be in
whirred their way through the morning. Other than one zealous vacuum claiming a glove, we magnificent condition, plumped up to their full 5-6 kg weight. The chinstraps weigh in a little
soon had everything cleaned and ready to go. smaller, around 4 kgs.
The morning remained shrouded in mist and while we could see icebergs dotted on the radar, There was plenty of action on the shoreline. Not only were the kayakers preparing for their
it was at 12:30 that our first beautiful little iceberg came into view. Just as thrilling was the call maiden paddle, but a leopard seal patrolling the shallows zoomed in within a metre of three
to go ashore, quickly recalling the order of all those layers, tags, boot wash, hands for the gang- of our passengers to claim a penguin standing on the shoreline. Throughout the afternoon
way, and what to do with each foot in order to launch ourselves safely into Zodiacs. Everyone we witnessed leopard seals on either side of the island, taking advantage of the late part of
managed famously, and luckily for us, conditions were perfect! the breeding cycle when fully grown, unsuspecting chicks become easy prey to a smart and
powerful predator.
Aitcho Barrientos— what a dynamic island. Our first wildlife encounter was on the water where
several giant petrels, the largest birds of the petrel family, feasted on a dearly departed penguin. Once the coast was clear our divers and snorkelers took their first foray into the water, enjoying
Close by, drawn by the scent, tiny Wilson’s storm petrels flutter danced as if across the water, clear visibility and the chance to see penguins literally fly through the water. Out in the distance
plucking tiny morsels left over by the larger birds. our paddlers made a colourful flotilla, while those of us onshore were happy to be amongst all
this fantastic scenery and wildlife, the penguins unperturbed by our presence.
Our first steps on Antarctica were welcomed by countless gentoo penguins returning from
foraging at sea or readying to head out. Some were just hanging out, landlocked through the Our four hours onshore raced by. One by one we gradually returned to the mother ship. As
uncomfortable annual moulting phase, during which time their feathers lose their waterproof we upped anchor and turned our nose south west, the mist lifted and the surrounding islands
quality until new feathers grow through. glistered. Around us was a preview of Antarctica proper— magnificent glaciers silvered by the
evening light. Through the night we motored 16 hours down the Bransfield Strait and into the
Gerlache Strait to meet our next destination.
DAY 4 | Tuesday 5 March 2019
Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Brown Station, Skontorp Cove
Position: 21:00 hours Course: 207° Wind Speed: 3 knots Barometer: 975.9 hPa & steady
Latitude: 64°51’ S Speed: 10.1 knots Wind Direction: SSW Air Temp: 3°C
Longitude: 63°14’ W Sea Temp: 1°C
What a day! What a place! Where to begin? Cuverville Island was our first close-up look at ice- Our Zodiac cruise to Skontorp Cove was diverted by several humpbacks cruising into the bay.
bergs, and what beauties they were. We learned how the dimpled pattern on the ice is created The kayakers, divers and snorkelers had a fantastic encounter, at times circled by humpbacks
when the ice is underwater. The ice contains bubbles which continually pop, creating a tiny who seemed totally at ease with human company. The remaining Zodiacs arrived in good time,
abrasion on the surface of the ice. Ocean currents sculpt those abrasions into dimples, and wowed by these magnificent creatures who swam just metres away. When the humpbacks
when the berg rolls, the dimpled underside is revealed above the water. returned for a second visit, they raised their heads out of the water, right beside the Zodiacs.
This spyhopping action allows the whales to see the view above the water. They were as curi-
Cuverville was abuzz with gentoo activity and we observed that many of the chicks were
ous about us as we were them. When they dived deep in a display of flukes, we continued on
downy and fluffy—not as advanced as those we saw at Aitcho Island.
our merry way.
The divers and snorkelers managed a beautiful dive around an iceberg in crystal clear water,
At Skontorp Glacier we enjoyed one thunderous calving of the ice, then slowly made our way
while back at the ship humpback whales were frolicking. Wind and waves had got up and our
across the bay. Roger made the call for seven crabeater seals lounging on an icefloe and we all
flotilla of kayakers had their work cut out paddling back to the ship. Others arriving by Zodiacs
got close views of these sleek animals.
had great views of the humpbacks on either side of the ship.
The ride out from the bay was one of crunching through brash ice. Anne made the call for
Chefs Al and Bert prepared a delectable curry for lunch, after which we headed out to the bow
a leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, sleeping on an ice floe. These predatory seals look quite
or up to the bridge to watch our passage through beautiful Errera Channel. This curved channel
reptilian with a snake-like head outsized for a body dappled with ‘leopard’ spots on the throat,
of water was dotted with icebergs while on either side was a vista of glaciers pouring down the
shoulders and sides.
mountainsides.
It was time to return to the mother ship, but not before one more encounter with humpbacks.
The afternoon was our big opportunity to plant our feet firmly on the Antarctic continent. At
One whale swam directly beneath one of the Zodiacs!
Paradise Bay we went ashore at Argentina’s Brown Station to claim the continent. Some took
the high road to the top of the hill to take in the views of Paradise Bay. The bumslide was the Another delicious dinner awaited but it was hard to drag ourselves inside with the sun tracking
quick way down! Jim Lawless brought his peace torch ashore for a run across the snow, in the low, the ice on the mountains turned pink, and the sky aflame with evening colour. It truly was
name of worldwide peace. a day in paradise.DAY 5 | Wednesday 6 March 2019
Lemaire Channel, Pleneau Island, Petermann Island
Position: 22:20 hours Course: 260° Wind Speed: 14 knots Barometer: 985.3hPa & falling
Latitude: 65°07’ S Speed: 12 knots Wind Direction: SSW Air Temp: 2°C
Longitude: 65°25’ W Sea Temp: 0°C
Up and at ’em, came Gary’s call at 0645. Our good ship hovered at the northern end of Lemaire Those of us in Zodiacs weaved around icebergs small and large, wowed by the sheer volume of
Channel, readying to steam south through this legendary stretch of water. The Lemaire Channel crabeater seals cruising in the water and hauled out on icefloes. Most remained deeply asleep.
is seven miles long, up to a mile wide, with cliffs rising either side to a height of 900 metres and
The mist lifted a little and onward we forged, exploring deep into the bay. On our return the
plunging to the same depth below the water.
ice closed in and we crunched through thick stretches of brash ice to reach our ship. Up the
We gathered on the bow, flying bridge and bridge on an atmospheric morning with mist envel- gangway and inside to thaw out and warm up!
oping the mountaintops. The journey through the Lemaire was mesmerising. In the distance a
Home-made pizza was on the menu for lunch, a perfect welcome home for 51 hungry adven-
pod of orcas with several young. Close by, crabeater seals lounging on ice floes, barely raising
turers.
their head as we passed by. On our portside we passed the southernmost rookery of chinstrap
penguins. On our starboard side, cliffs that scaled near vertical out of the water before dissolv- Soon we had made our way south to Petermann Island for an afternoon landing. Snowflakes
ing into the mist. Captain Sasha and Chief Mate Vladimir expertly navigated the ice-choked softly fell. The landing site at Petermann is dominated by an Argentinian Refuge Hut painted in
channel, weaving around icefloes and bergs. Finally we were through! In the deep bay between the distinctive orange of all Argentine huts on the Peninsula, the roof adorned in the colours of
the southern end of Booth Island and northern edge of Pleneau Island, our morning excursions the national flag. We clambered ashore and headed off in all directions to enjoy the wildlife, and
got underway. to spot the occasional adelie penguin, the third of the brushtail species.
The kayakers vanished into the mist, their tiny craft breaking through fragile sheets of nilus—a We returned home in time for hot showers then a recap in the bar. Roger steered us through
first stage of sea ice that forms only in cold calm conditions. the last jam-packed days, inviting us to share impressions and personal highlights.
Snorkelers and divers followed suit, cruising among the bergs then finding a beautiful berg for Soon after dinner Polar Pioneer took a right turn through French Passage. Overnight we made
their diving spot. a dash down the seaward side of the islands for our best chance to reach the coveted Antarctic
Circle.DAY 6 | Thursday 7 March 2019
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, Detaille Island
Position: 20:30 hours Course: 20° Wind Speed: 4 knots Barometer: 997.3 hPa & steady
Latitude: 66°32’ S Speed: 7.5 knots Wind Direction: NNE Air Temp: 70°C
Longitude: 67°01’ W Sea Temp: -0.5°C
We woke in Crystal Sound, having overnight motored down the outside of the islands through In summer 1958–59 the sea ice was so thick that the resupply vessel was unable to reach the
a somewhat bumpy Bellingshausen Sea. island, despite several attempts. The decision was made to abandon the base, the men secured
the building and left only with the essentials, travelling 25 miles across sea ice with their sledg-
By 10:00am we were “within cooee” of our grand destination the Antarctic Circle. We gathered
ing dogs to reach the waiting ship. While loading the dogs onto the ship, one dog, Steve,
on the bow, Kathrine and Anne poured champagne, and when the ship’s horn blasted (and
escaped and raced back in the direction of the hut. Sadly, the men were forced to abandon
blasted…) we raised a toast to the happy occasion. Gary read a ceremonial oath in honour of
their beloved dog, so it came as a great surprise and delight, three months later, when Steve
Captain James Cook’s ships Resolution and Adventure which, in January 1773, were the first
turned up at the manned base at Horseshoe Island, 50 miles further south than Detaille Island,
known vessels to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33.66 South.
a place the dog had travelled to only once before.
We were duly anointed by Robyn with the official “circle” stamp applied gently to the forehead,
We all got to visit the hut which remains a snapshot of how it was when it was abandoned in
then it was time for our group photo where the peace torch took centre stage.
1959. If the pantry cupboards were anything to go by, Scottish oats was the staple diet, along
The excitement of the morning reached another crescendo with the announcement of the with stacks of Worcestershire and HP sauce, Heinz mayonnaise and a large stock of pickles.
polar plunge. No less than 30 zealous adventurers proceeded to hurl themselves off a perfectly Outside the hut, the anemometer aerial and one radio aerial remain in place, along with an
good ship in -0.5° Celsius water. Scott was in the water with his camera to capture the squeals emergency shelter and the remains of puppy pens.
and action!
While we were exploring the island, our kayakers were having a delectable time, circumnavi-
Soon after lunch we arrived at Detaille Island, our most southerly destination at 66°51.6 South, gating the island. They found a quiet cove in the company of many a crabeater seal cavorting
66°48.5 West. From a distance we could see the hut and aerials of “Base W”, one of several British in the water around their craft. From the top of the island a number of people spotted a large
research stations built along the peninsula. The prefabricated base at Detaille was erected in group of ~30 crabeaters patrolling the island, most likely fishing. Our snorkelers and divers
1956 with its main focus of study being meteorology, survey mapping and geology. Significant enjoyed their outings in crystal clear water.
scientific contributions were made, but sea ice access to the mainland proved unstable.
After a big day south of the circle we turned northward.DAY 7 | Friday 8 March 2019
Fish Islands, Grandidier Channel
Position: 20:45 hours Course: 2311° Wind Speed: 17 knots Barometer: 979.9hPa & falling
Latitude: 65°53’ S Speed: 11.7 knots Wind Direction: E Air Temp: 2°C
Longitude: 66°45’ W Sea Temp: -1°C
“The ice was here, The ice was there, the ice was all around; It cracked and growled, The crabeater seals weren’t nearly as prevalent at Fish Islands; as Cheryl remarked, ‘they’re all
and roared and howled, Like noises in a swound.” down at Detaille Island.’ The wildlife attractions were south polar skuas and sightings of beau-
tiful snow petrels, ‘fairies of the south’. By midday, ready for some warmth, we wound our way
Today’s quote from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner resonated in anticipated and unanticipated
back to Polar Pioneer. Our kayakers had their work cut out finding a path through the ice but
ways. We woke to crystalline surrounds amid a sea of glistering pack ice and icebergs. Captain
their gallant leader battled through. Next was Birgitta with her snorkelers. But where were our
slowly navigated Polar Pioneer through (if anyone can, Captain can), reaching alongside Fish
divers?
Islands. This cluster of islands bear the names Perch, Plaice, Trout and Flounder, along with an
outcrop of islets known as The Minnows, located near to Prospect Point on the west coast of The call came from Pete: ‘we may be a little delayed for lunch.’ Having trouble getting through
Graham Land. These features were named by South Australia’s John Rymill who charted the the ice was not an understatement. The ocean current had pushed the ice toward shore and
area in the 1930s. the dive Zodiac was hemmed in. ‘The ice was here, the ice was there…’ Would they need to
winter over? From the bridge and Zodiac deck we anxiously watched, offering an overview
A polar captain’s greatest nemesis is ice, and for our good Captain Sasha there was no shortage
of where the ice opened up. The sturdy Zodiac battled its way through frozen cul de sacs
of the pesky commodity, posing challenges with the launching of Zodiacs and even lowering
and exasperating dead ends, breaking through ice where it could to make progress. Captain
the gangway. Eventually we were away, the kayakers heading off in search of solitude, the cruis-
brought the ship in closer, but finally, finally our divers pushed their way toward a lead, another,
ers attempting to find a lead toward Fish Islands, the divers and snorkelers relishing a topside
then another, to reunite with the mother ship. An epic adventure!
cruise before finding a tantalising spot to immerse themselves in -1°C water. Air and water were
cold enough that patches of ocean had frozen into sheet ice, some 5–6 cms thick, while, as our The afternoon saw us weaving our way northward. Roger gave us another tiptop presenta-
divers discovered, the ice formed above them while they were diving! tion, this time on Antarctic penguins and seals. Birgitta offered several mesmerising trailers of
nature documentaries filmed and produced by herself and her family, screened on Swedish
Our snorkelers welcomed the company of a group of Adelies who collected on an adjacent
television. A highlight was footage of an intimate nose to nose encounter Birgitta recently had
iceberg to supervise. Daniel and his happy flotilla made a cheery splash of colour amongst all
with a sperm whale. Soon after a delicious dinner we felt the motion of open ocean. Ahead of
those extraordinary blues of the ice.
us another full day of activities and wondrous surrounds as we explore more of the Antarctic
Gary and Roger reached close enough to the islands to see a pair of fighting crabeater seals, Peninsula.
and a group of moulting Adelies, but not before landing their shipmates upon an enticing ice
floe. Robyn’s shipmates performed a spot of icefloe ballet while Anne pirouetted across the ice
in a cartwheel.DAY 8 | Saturday 9 March 2019
Yalour Islands, Goudier Island and Jougla Point
Position: 20:15 hours Course: 95° Wind Speed: 12 knots Barometer: 990.6 hPa & falling
Latitude: 64°46’ S Speed: 5.6 knots Wind Direction: NE Air Temp: 3°C
Longitude: 63°23’ W Sea Temp: 1°C
A host of eager adventurers was out on the bow soon after 0600 to watch the sun track skyward For juveniles, who roam for three years before becoming sexually mature, the winter is harsh and
from behind the mountains. The peaks remained in silhouette, the sky was ablush, the ocean mortality is high. But for adults, come spring they return to the same nest site on the same island
painted; all was still and serene. The late part of the Antarctic summer is a time when dawn grows to begin a new breeding cycle.
slow and lazy, its golds and pinks ever so slowly fading into day.
After upping anchor we motored north to the southern end of Lemaire Channel. What a differ-
We were anchored off the Yalour Islands, named by French explorer Charcot during his 1903–05 ence a few days makes. This was the place where we went iceberg cruising in heavy fog, with no
expedition to Antarctica. Off we went for our various activities. Onshore we wandered the island notion of the towering mountain surrounds, or even the full extent of Pleneau Island. Ice all but
which is lush with mosses and lichens., The Yalours are home to adelie penguins, many of whom obscured the opening to Lemaire Channel but with an opening on the left hand edge, little Polar
were moulting, and imperial cormorants, also known as blue-eyed shags for their cobalt blue Pioneer, under Captain’s watchful eye, managed to squeak through, then it was plain sailing up
orbital ring. During the breeding season the adult cormorant has bright orange fleshy append- this spectacular channel of water, this time with the 900 metre peaks in full view.
ages around the eyes at the top of the beak.
Our afternoon outing was at Port Lockroy/Goudier Island. Our divers geared up for their final
The backdrop of the Yalours was at its most beautiful with the continental mountains ablaze in dive, hoping for a leopard seal. They got their wish! Thirty magical minutes face to face with this
sunlight. Several humpback whales cruised into the bay and our lucky kayakers had the chance magnificent creature as it shared itself between Zodiacs, divers and kayakers, plus patrolling back
to see them bubble-netting. Some in the Zodiacs spent time with the whales who, after feeding, and forth along the shoreline, on the lookout for a penguin chick.
were content to spend quiet time napping, or logging as it is termed in the whale world.
Mt Luigi and the Seven Sisters were in full view and we saw what a magnificent site had been
Where do the adelies, gentoos and chinstraps go once their chicks are reared and they finish their chosen for Britain’s “Base A”. Postcards were posted in the hut’s red pillarbox, but alas, they will not
annual moult? At the end of summer, as the ocean threatens to freeze along the length of the begin their journey until November 2019 when the Port Lockroy team returns.
peninsula, the brushtail penguins head out to open water and spend the winter foraging near
A BBQ on the back deck topped off an ace day, with delicious food, gluwein, party hats, good
the ice edge.
company and a lively dance floor.DAY 9 | Sunday 10 March 2019
Whalers Bay, Hannah Point
Position: 22:00 hours Course: 58° Wind Speed: 8 knots Barometer: 978.8 hPa & falling
Latitude: 62°44’ S Speed: 7.8 knots Wind Direction: NE Air Temp: 2°C
Longitude: 60°00’ W Sea Temp: 1.6°C
Soon after breakfast Gary announced our approach to Deception Island. Deception lies at the Northward we motored, to Hannah Point on Livingston Island, another island in the South
southerly end of the South Shetland Archipelago, and was once a thriving whaling centre. Shetland chain.
It was all quiet on the Bridge as Captain Sasha and his officers navigated Neptune’s Bellows, a Ashore we were greeted by gentoo penguins and nearby a wallow of elephant seals. It was a
narrow and treacherous entry into the caldera, with half the waterway too shallow for ships. perfect day for an easy kilometre walk across to Walker Bay. Roger led the charge which soon
strung out, given the number of photos opportunities: fur seals, gentoos going about their
As we rounded the corner into Whalers Bay, several large rusted tanks came into view. The
business, Southern elephant seals blowing bubbles in the water, and hauled out on the beach.
sheer size of these tanks, once brimming with whale oil, offered a sobering reminder of bygone
days. Nearby were several derelict buildings and a hangar, partially demolished during the vol- What is there not to love about an oversized wallow of snorting, belching, farting layabouts?
canic eruptions of the late 1960s. A striking feature of Whalers Bay is its graphic quality with a Full sized adult males weigh in at around 4 tonnes, while the females, having weaned their pups
stark black volcanic gravel beach, and surrounding hills striped with remnant snow. Along the and gone out at sea to forage, are a sylph-like 900 kgs.
shoreline lay a gauntlet of Antarctic fur seals, who did their best to terrorise us.
Many of us explored the collection of fossils further along the beach which included petrified
Our kayakers set off for their final paddle after what has been a diverse mix of experiences. They wood and leaf fossils. All too soon it was time to return to our trusty ship. Back onboard we
made a striking splash of colour against the monochrome of Whalers Bay. enjoyed Captain’s Farewell Drinks, with many a thank you, a nice speech from Captain, and the
handing out of one or two certificates.
Some of us hiked to the hangar which once housed a single engine otter. Whalers Bay was the
place where, in 1928, Australian aviator and polar explorer Hubert Wilkins took off and claimed We sat down to a sumptuous meal lovingly prepared by our two wonderful chefs Al and Bert,
the first flight in Antarctica. and served by our lovely stewardesses Iliana and Alina. The highlight of the evening was the
fabulous voyage slideshow compiled by Scott Portelli. Great work, Scott! What a wondrous
Others hot-tailed it along to the end of the beach to climb up to Neptune’s Window, there to be
snapshot of a fine voyage.
treated to a magnificent view of cliffs, black beach and a steely ocean. Back onboard we were
at the pointy end of business with the settlement of shipboard accounts, photo submissions
and email exchanges.DAY 10 | Monday 11 March 2019
King George Island, Punta Arenas
Position: 09:00 hours Course: At anchor, Wind Speed: 16 knots Barometer: 986.6 hPa & rising
Latitude: 62°12’ S Maxwell Bay Wind Direction: SE Air Temp: 4°C
Longitude: 58°56’ W Sea Temp: 2°C
King George Island in the South Shetlands. This is where our voyage onboard the trusty ship Where to then? We entered Bransfield Strait, a hard left past a group of orca and south to
Polar Pioneer ends and we wing our way north across the Drake. King George Island has an aus- Cuverville Island.
picious history, it is where the merchant marine Captain William Smith was the first to sight land
This was a huge day – filled with memories. The gentoos and icebergs of Cuverville, higher
south of Drakes Passage, on 19 February 1819. He was transporting cargo around Cape Horn
snow slopes to explore, on through Errera Channel to Paradise Bay, Brown Station with its
and was blown a long way south. On reaching Valparaiso in Chile, he reported his sighting to
views and bum-slide, Skontorp Glacier, magic reflections, lots of ice, crabeaters, leopard seal
the naval authorities who didn’t believe him. So, on a following voyage around the Cape – from
and humpback whales. Oh, those humpback whales … Spy-hopping on us, investigating and
Montevideo to Valparaiso – Smith deliberately detoured and in October 1819, he spent several
cruising around us, big tails beside us. Truly magnificent.
days charting King George Island and surrounding islands. This time, the authorities took notice.
They chartered Smith’s boat with him as pilot under the command of Edward Bransfield, and The days tumbled along – through the Le Maire Channel to Pleneau iceberg cruising and
sent them south to claim the islands for Britain. Today, many nations have bases on King George Peterman Island – where French explorer Charcot overwintered in 1909. Then south beyond
Island, including Chile who built and manage the airstrip. the Antarctic Circle to Detaille Island, amazing backdrops and an old British hut. This was our
furthest south. Coming north we visited the Fish Islands where landings, and even much move-
Our individual journeys commenced some time back and culminated for us as a group on our
ment of zodiacs, was thwarted by dense ice conditions. What fun it was to explore and ice-
arrival on Polar Pioneer at Puerto Williams, in the Beagle Channel. The ship looked sturdy and
break in our bouncing rubber zodiacs and nimble kayaks.
blue, and a fine size for our adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage was calm
for us. Such a wonderful ‘rite of ‘passage’ to experience this water body, though, and we didn’t Northbound we arrived at Yalour Islands, heralded by a tremendous sunrise and lighting over
need to see it stormy. After a day and a half, we arrived at the South Shetlands, sighted our first the mountains of the Peninsula. North through the Le Maire, spectacular, to Port Lockroy where
icebergs and made a landing – on Aitcho Island. frisky leopard seals darted around, and gentoos again filled us with joy – that wildlife can inter-
act with us, showing no fear. It’s a bit humbling really, considering how dangerous we can be.
Looking back now, the locations blend together and everyone had different experiences.
Whale bones on the shore at Jougla Point. Our BBQ on the back-deck, with fancy hats, fancy
Kayakers kayaked, divers dived, snorkelers snorkled and all explored. As we approached the
foot-work and gluhwein, followed by singing in the bar.
shore there was the ominous sign of giant petrels and Wilson’s storm petrels feeding on a
penguin carcase. Sure enough, leopard seals were sighted and we witnessed with some dis- Then to contrast with the whiteness of the Peninsula, we arrived in Deception Island. Black
comfort, leopard seals preying on naïve gentoo chicks. Many gentoo chicks lined the shore and volcanic sand – many Antarctic fur seals, and crumbling buildings – gradually being dismantled
entertained us with their inquisitive antics. And groups of moulting chinstraps clustered uphill. by the elements. On to Hannah Point for our last experiences with seals and penguins. And that
brings us up to King George Island. What an absolute pleasure it has been.Kayaking Log By Daniel Stavert
Kayaking Guide: Daniel Stavert DAY 5: Pleneau Island – Distance: 7.81 km
An early morning passage through the Lemaire Channel saw the Polar Pioneer in the shelter
Paddlers: of Pleneau island. With a thick fog obscuring all view of land, the kayakers set out following a
Diane Bell Timmo Draaisma Carol Luzinat compass bearing out into the ice. Sleeping crabeater seals and drifting sea ice floes awaited
Kathie Bulters Maarin Erbacher Peter Luzinat them as they rounded the corner of the island. Larger icebergs loomed out of the fog, with
Tony Bulters Warren Hart Jan Moen deep sighs and breaths as they rose and fell with the swell. Pushing through a band of brash ice
Margy Burn Nicolle Hoogerdijk Amy Roberts the paddlers found themselves in open water and could explore some of the larger bergs. With
lifting visibility the mass of Booth island revealed itself as the kayakers turned for home. Some
DAY 3: Aitcho Barrientos Island – Distance: 2.5 km thick brash ice slowed them down but the Polar Pioneer came into view, drifting serenely in the
Arriving at in the Aitcho Islands early in the afternoon, the kayakers went ashore to get their swirling ice and snow.
first taste of the Antarctic. There they found a shoreline teeming with gentoo and chinstrap
penguins. Climbing on the kayaks, and sitting inside, these penguins investigated the strange Petermann Island – Distance: 7.54 km
colourful objects thoroughly. Soon, though, the paddling team got their gear in order, doing With thick falling snow and rising winds, the kayak team paddled out towards Petermann Island.
safety checks and fitting the kayaks, before slipping out into the cold waters around the island. Finding shelter behind the land, the team were tasked with a mission to find Adelie penguins.
After a short paddle in amongst swimming penguins, and shoaling rocks, the kayakers took a After paddling out to the north of the island and finding only rising winds and choppy seas,
moment to appreciate where they were, how far they had travelled, and the privilege it was to the team turned south and was on the verge of giving up until, when rounding a corner, a
be able to kayak in Antarctica. A quick paddle back to the ship, and the team faced the biggest lone Adelie was seen, preening itself on a rock by the shore. This true Antarctica resident was a
challenge yet, the climb up the ladder back into the warmth of the ship. special sight for the group and a relief for the guide to find. Heading further around the island,
the team found giant icebergs rocking in the swell and seals asleep, oblivious to the crash of
DAY 4: Cuverville Island – Distance: 8.74 km rolling ice. With more falling snow and the temperature dropping, the team turned and headed
Choppy conditions in the Errera Channel made for an exciting embarkation into our kayaks, for home. A wonderful end to a very Antarctic day on the water.
but we were soon underway, sailing downwind before tucking in behind the sheltered mass
of grounded icebergs. The group marvelled at the shapes and sizes of the giant bergs, and the DAY 6: Detaille Island – Distance: 4.5 km
sudden calm of the water behind each. Picking their way from calm shelter to calm shelter, the After a morning spent sailing south of the Antarctic circle the kayak team left the ship and
kayakers headed further in behind the island of Cuverville, finding glassy calm water, curious headed towards the snow-covered shoreline of Detaille Island. In the shallow protected bay the
gentoo penguins and a languidly sleepy crabeater seal lounging on an iceberg. team landed and climbed on foot up the hill towards the historic base that lies there. The walk
up to the top of the hill with its beautiful views of Crystal Sound, and the historic hut and the
Pushing further around the island the kayakers moved out from behind its shelter, finding clothing, food, and furnishings of the 1950s were a real highlight of the trip. Soon though the
themselves in some quite dynamic conditions. A stiff paddle into the wind, brought the team calm water drew the team back and they were paddling again. Dozens and dozens of surfacing
back to the ship to find an equally exciting jump back into a Zodiac. The final challenge of the crabeater seals, curious adelie penguins, and calmly snoozing weddell seals were a delight. But
roper ladder ascent led to the warmth and comfort of the Polar Pioneer. the true joy of this paddle came from the serenity of the ice and the still silence of Antarctica
south of the circle.
Paradise Harbour – Distance: 7.08 km
Glassy calm conditions awaited the team in Paradise Harbour. Paddling through this mirrored DAY 7: Fish Islands – Distance: 5.2 km
landscape, the kayakers marvelled at the sounds of the ice, and the echoing blows of humpback A chilly morning at the Fish Islands greeted the kayakers as they scrambled down the rope
whales. ladder, into their boats and away. A sea thick with all variations of ice pressed thickly around the
Polar Pioneer. Sea ice floes, flat and clean, deep blue glacial icebergs, and freshly frozen grease
Soon the whales moved in closer and the group was content to sit and let them circle, rising
ice. The leads and pathways appearing and vanishing as the kayakers carefully picked their way
to blow and lift their tail flukes, and to swim beneath the kayaks’ hulls. Eventually the team
through an ever-changing landscape.
moved on, leaving the whales to continue their own journey through the bay. Moving deeper
into Skontorp Cove, the team paddled across the glacier face, listening intently to the rumbles After an hour of paddling with various kayaks taking the lead through the labyrinth, a final cul
and crashes of the glacier before pushing through the thick brash ice. Ahead a point of land de sac and closing leads prompted a valiant retreat to the warmth of the ship. Spying a clean flat
beckoned, and each kayaker engaged their icebreaker mindset and pushed through the ice. ice floe the team took a moment to stretch their legs and marvel at the improbability of walking
A landing on the Antarctic continent was a welcome reward for their effort, and the team on frozen water three hundred metres above the ocean bottom. A final complex navigation
sat looking out upon Paradise Harbour, across the shining sea and shifting ice. A truly special through the rapidly closing ice and the team was back at the ladder and safely on board.
afternoon in this incredible place.Kayaking Log By Daniel Stavert
DAY 8: Yalour Islands – Distance: 6.91 km Leaving the leopard seal behind to play with the divers, the kayakers headed into the sheltered
It was a cool crisp morning at the Yalours as the kayak team slipped out onto the water. A bay behind Goudier Island. Rounding the point and turning their noses for home, the kayakers
still calm day with the sun shining; glowing white mountains rising above the sea, with the spent a last few minutes with our friendly apex predator before the last run back to the ship and
ever-present ice rocking in a gentle swell. The kayakers moved out into this landscape, drifting the awaiting back deck barbeque.
between icebergs and around gushing rockpools, adelie penguins looking curiously down from
the small island archipelago. Rounding the last point of the island the kayak team found three DAY 9: Deception Island – Distance: 2.1 km
humpback whales, slowly moving across the bay. The calm seas, sunshine and luminescent A blustery morning found the Polar Pioneer navigating through the narrow channel of
blue ice, along with the steady breath of the whales, made for a serene morning in Antarctica. Neptune’s Bellows and into the caldera of Deception Island. The kayakers quickly deployed
on the water and paddled out into the wind. In the shelter of the northern shore the team
Goudier Island – Distance: 4.1 km found hundreds of raucous, and curious fur seals. These ‘teenage’ males rushed furiously into
After a sun filled transit through the Lemaire Channel, the kayak team entered the bay of Port the water, launching up into the air to gape and bark at the strange colourful passersby. After
Lockroy into a slight chop and a light breeze. Reaching the shore they paused to watch gentoo laughing and chatting friendlily with these incorrigible creatures, the kayak family continued on
penguins skittering on the rocks, and peering down from the snow banks. down the shore, landing in amongst the old whaling station. There they stretched their legs for
a brief sojourn on land before a final a paddle, a final rope climb and the end of the last paddle
Rounding the point, the reason for their agitation became apparent: a leopard seal raised its of an excellent Antarctic expedition.
serpentine head and paused to watch the approaching kayakers. Rolling its back and sliding
under water the huge carnivore swam under the kayaks, flipping onto its back and casting TOTAL PADDLE OUTINGS: 10
its huge eye over each colourful vessel. Every kayaker in turn had this treatment, as the seal TOTAL DISTANCE PADDLED: 47.74 km
raised its head out of the water, sniffed the boat and then submerged. Its exhalations met by
inhalations of surprise and a little trepidation.Diving Log By Pete Shaw
Diving Guide: Pete Shaw is almost impossible to put this place into words. We move back out into Paradise Harbour
Diving Photographer: Scott Portelli and find whales, lots of whales. With the engine in idle, they glide within a few metres of our
Zodiac, blowing, grunting, circling, apparently enjoying the deep waters as much as we are.
Divers: We dive again around a small iceberg, making landing on it too. The sun is out, the afternoon
Luigina Aggio Leo Fratoni Maurizio Moles Alison Vincent light incredible and we sit and watch the seabirds, humpbacks and the small speck of the Polar
Marco Bebi Chris Hutchings Sergio Riccardo Pioneer silhouetted against the immensity of the glaciers that surround us.
DAY 1: Puerto Williams DAY 6: Drake Passage
Our passengers all arrive at the Polar Pioneer at 1600; the luggage has been sent ahead and is Our journey South continues until at around 1000 we slow as we approach the Antarctic Circle,
already stored in their cabins by the ship’s crew and expedition staff. After some exploration, 66°33’.66” South; everyone assembles on the foredeck to celebrate in the traditional style with
everyone gathers for introductions, safety and lifeboat briefings, followed by a lifeboat drill. champagne and a reading of Captain Cook’s oath. This is quickly followed by a Polar Plunge
Shortly after dinner we slip our moorings and glide into the Beagle Channel, heading towards with Pete at the bottom of the gangway to help pluck the intrepid plungers from the icy waters.
Cape Horn and the open seas of the Drake Passage; the small town of Puerto Williams rapidly By mid-afternoon we reach Detaille Island and head out in the Zodiacs to explore the island,
dwindles as we head South. Back inside the ship, divers and snorkelers gather in the lecture the abandoned Base W British research station and then it’s time to don our SCUBA gear and
room for safety and operational briefings, a Q&A session and the issue of equipment for the get wet!
snorkelers.
Few people have crossed the Antarctic Circle, fewer still have dived in these latitudes. The group
DAY 2: Drake Passage splits, some electing to dive amongst the ice packed into the bay, others venturing out to dive
The weather is being kind to us. The Polar Pioneer emerged from the lee of Cape Horn at around along a rocky wall extending into the depths. In both locations, the waters are crystal clear, and
0100 this morning and the swell is gentle; a mist hangs over the water as we steam South at many amazing photographs of the underwater environment are captured. In the evening we
about 12kts towards the South Shetland islands. During the day we have three lectures, one turn and begin our journey North once more.
on the seabirds of Antarctica, the first of a series on photography and one entitled ‘Antarctica
DAY 7: Fish Islands
101’. After lunch, Pete and Birgitta assemble the divers and snorkelers to give them a hands-on
We plan for a relatively early start to the day, events commencing at 0830, but the amount of
orientation to the aft deck and the way we conduct dive operations. This evening a poignant
ice in the vicinity of the Fish Islands slows our passage so we re-schedule Zodiac operations for
and thought-provoking film called Ice and the Sky is showing.
1000. Out on the water, the ice is packed and moving; we thread our way through the leads as
DAY 3: Cuverville Island they open but cannot make landfall. The cruise is very pretty though as we wind our way past
Our journey brings us to Cuverville early in the morning; by 0900 we are ready and embark our ‘bergs, floes and ice-faces. The water is a bit green, but we decide to drop in for a dive on the
Zodiacs for the ride in to shore. We cruise between grounded icebergs until we run onto the side of a small floe. By the time we surface, the ice has drifted and Pete is working hard to pick
gently sloping pebble beach. We are immediately surrounded by inquisitive Gentoo penguins each member of the dive team up; manoeuvring the Zodiac back and forth to smash through
and stretch our legs with walks across and over the ridgeline. Whilst most of us are ashore, the the ice. Everyone safely back into the Zodiac, we try to get back to the ship.
Polar Pioneer is surrounded by three humpback whales, logging, spyhopping and rolling in the
The Polar Pioneer is only 1km away, but it takes us two hours to cover the distance; the ice has
swells around the ship. After an hour or so, we head out amongst the icebergs; Pete chooses a
all drifted together and we have to fight through every metre, breaking the surface ice which
safe and pretty example out of the many available and we dive.
is now mostly at least 8cm thick, pushing at larger lumps with our feet to force gaps wider to
The water is cold but the colours within the ice and in the waters over the toe of the berg are allow us to fit through. Two at the front, chipping away at the ice, people pushing from the
worth it; our dive is shared by another leopard seal, this one a juvenile. On our way back to the sides and Pete driving the Zodiac backwards and forwards, breaking though, metre by metre,
ship we meet the same three humpback whales and stop to watch them for a while before they looking for the most likely path and pushing away the large slabs that gather under the Zodiac
continue their journey and we return to the ship for lunch and warm drinks. and make steering impossible.
DAY 5: Almirante Brown, Paradise Harbour, Skontorp Glacier Finally, we make it back to the ship and the Polar Pioneer can leave, one and a half hours later
Shortly after lunch we once more load our equipment in to the Zodiacs and head off; our than planned, but with everyone safely back on board. All the staff help empty our Zodiac
first stop being the Argentine Almirante Brown station and a chance for us all to set foot on whilst we change and have a late lunch at the table the crew have kindly prepared for us. This
the Antarctic mainland. Pout in the harbour, humpback whales spout and glide through the afternoon we continue to steam North towards the Yalour Islands and Port Lockroy.
unbelievably blue waters. Back in the Zodiacs we cruise slowly round to Skontorp glacier; the
scenery here is almost impossible to describe, the glacier face is vast, sat in the distance across
a glassy sea filled with icebergs; if you ever watched Game of Thrones, take The Wall, put it
on a mystical coastline and you’re 10% of the way there. We sit in silence, drinking it all in; itDiving Log By Pete Shaw DAY 8: Yalour Islands DAY 9: Whalers Bay & Hannah Point By breakfast, our overnight travels North have brought us to the Yalours, a group of small Islands Today we focus on land-based excursions whilst our freshly washed SCUBA equipment dries at the junction of the Grandidier Channel, French Passage and the Penola Strait. Home to a before we have to pack it for our onward journeys to points all around the globe. colony of moulting adelie penguins and a lone elephant seal pup. For an hour we explore on land and then into the zodiacs to dive. The rocky outcrop South of the landing site offers a DAY 10: Departure wonderful wall dive and also shallows protected from the drifting ice, perfect options for our inquisitive explorations. TOTAL IN-WATER OUTINGS: 9 Port Lockroy – Goudier Island and Jougla Point After lunch we maneuver carefully through the icebergs at the Southern end of the Lemaire Channel and, for the last time on our trip, glide through the narrow passageway. This visit, the sun is shining, the tips of the mountains clear in the pure Antarctic air, mirrored by their reflections in the glassy waters before our bow-wave shatters the picture into a million pieces. What a way to end the diving excursions of this trip: the request to Pete was ‘please find a leopard seal we can photograph in the water’… Port Lockroy did not disappoint. Almost as soon as we enter the bay a ‘lep’ circles the zodiacs, then shoots off. Quickly the divers change, and we cruise around trying to re-find him (or her); we succeed, and the divers hit the water. The seal is juvenile and very curious, playing with the divers for half an hour before gliding off into the depths. Hugs and big smiles all round… Antarctica, you have delivered again!
Snorkel Log By Birgitta Mueck
Snorkel Guide: Birgitta Mueck water, the snorkelers go to explore it further. As amazing the icebergs are to observe from
above water, the more breathtaking they are to discover beneath the surface. Happy laughs
Snorkelers: and growing smiles are spread among the snorkelers during their astonishing time in the wet
Shayne Earley Dani Milosevic Jami Van der Merwe and salty environment. When a leopard seal is seen approaching the area, we all get up in the
Courtney Herring Joe O’Dea Izelle Volman zodiac to instead continue to be amazed by the Antarctic beauty from above water. Cold and
Jim Lawless Leopoldo Palomba Hailey Zirkle happy we head back towards Polar Pioneer when three humpback whales draw our attention
Manolo Mendieta Villareal Amy Roberts before boarding the ship. After such a stunning morning lunch tastes extra good!
DAY 1 Recharged with new energy, it is time to make our second outing of the day, a continental
The Antarctic adventure starts in Puerto Williams, where our mobile home Polar Pioneer is landing at Base Brown. The small group of snorkelers, who were not too cold to make another
docked. After an informative welcome briefing and safety drill, we start to cruise the scenic dip in the water, make a brief visit at the Argentinian station to thereafter head out in a
Beagle Channel. Decorated with beautiful evening light, a strong and long-lasting rainbow and combined snorkel/dive zodiac to explore the beauty filled surrounding of Paradise Harbour.
plenty sea birds, our voyage south begins in the most picturesque way. A yummy dinner is The mountains surrounding us are decorated with thin layers of mist and perfectly mirrored in
served onboard and followed by snorkel and dive briefing in the lecture room. The snorkelers the total calm bay.
are thereafter geared up with drysuits and snorkel equipment. After a long and informative day,
The warming sun nicely lights both the high mountain peaks and the many fantasy-filled ice
the Drake gently moves us asleep.
formations. In the refreshing, blue water, humpback whales peacefully are resting and energetic
DAY 2 Gentoo penguins porpoising. Crabeater seals sleep next to the impressive Skontorp Glacier. The
At sea on the Drake, our day consists of a couple of nice lectures about Antarctica and seabirds. entire scenery is like taken from a fairy tale, of which we are fortunate to experience live! After
The snorkelers and divers meet on the aft deck to get familiar with the snorkel/dive procedures a stunning zodiac cruise, snorkelers and divers are entering the refreshing wet environment.
onboard. This is then followed by a photo lecture and Captain´s Welcome Drinks! A beautifully formed “ice-island” is chosen and explored from above- and beneath surface.
A curious Gentoo penguin joins our enthusiasm and makes the thrilled snorkelers even more
DAY 3 lucky when it keeps them company for a bit next to our icy floating island. There are no words
As respectful Antarctic ambassadors we want to keep Antarctica pristine, so our morning is good enough to describe this marvelous afternoon we are having in this magical place. We all
busy with IAATO briefings and vacuum cleaning of our gear. We are then all ready and prepared feel speechless and lucky. Yes, we truly are in Paradise!
for our first landing in Antarctica!
DAY 5
After lunch we visit the Aitcho islands, were we get welcomed by huge numbers of curious Polar Pioneer makes a pre-breakfast cruise through the narrow Lemaire Channel. In contrast
Gentoo penguins, among them also Chinstraps. The young, charming Gentoos quickly get to yesterday, the surrounding mountains are now all covered by thicker fog. The very limited
curious about our presence and start to investigate our gear by picking and climbing on it. Less visibility provides a mystical touch to the morning cruise. So it does as well to our zodiac
fortunate penguins become pray for the sneaky leopard seal patrolling the coast line. cruise after breakfast. It feels like an opening scene taken from a mysterious movie when we
slowly zodiac-ing through the fog and ice. Many crabeater seals are seen resting on the ice or
Joe, who is wading in the water, manages to capture a really cool split shot of this big predator.
swimming in the water.
Meanwhile a couple of Minke whales are swimming next to Polar Pioneer, the snorkelers,
dressed in their Waterproof drysuits, enjoy their time on land among the huge volume of After a couple of hours of zodiac cruising, we find the perfect iceberg for polar snorkeling. It
penguins surrounding them. The planned snorkel session is postponed for another half hour. doesn´t take long until all snorkelers slips into their crisp-blue surrounding. Again the iceberg
This as we are not supposed to snorkel with leopard seals in the vicinity. We thereafter make a shows off even more when observing it from beneath surface. The ice formations are so
short in-water session in waist deep water to test the drysuits and equipment. Energetic Gentoo fascinating to watch, so is the tiny krill next to the huge wall of ice. A shy, brown fish is also
penguins are swimming around the snorkelers and some fish are seen too. What a wonderful briefly seen before it disappears into the secret filled, dark depth. After a good time in the water
start of our Antarctic stay! we all feel very cold and happy to head back to the ship for some hot chocolate and pizza
lunch!
DAY 4
We wake up to chilly wind and beautiful, grey skies. During breakfast, the sun starts to break Our afternoon is spent on lovely Petermann island, where the snorkelers enjoy their time in
through the clouds just in time for our first landing of the day. On Cuverville island we once the small, sheltered bay next to our landing point. Here they swim among both energetic
again get welcomed by big numbers of Gentoo penguins and some resting fur seals. After a Gentoo penguins and smaller ice-formations. A fur seal is also enjoying the afternoon in the
nice walk among the adorable wildlife, the snorkelers get ready for their iceberg snorkel session. area, but does not get curious enough to say hello to the underwater cameras. The silent snow,
We head out on the Zodiac again, in search for an iceberg suitable and safe for snorkeling. The falling from the sky, gives the entire setup a very peaceful feeling. Yet another magical day in
clear, blue water looks so inviting next to the huge sculpture-like iceberg. In the freezing cold Antarctica!You can also read
